Welcome to the Ibstock newsletter, bringing you the latest news on our products and services.

Another Successful Year at the Brick Awards

Ibstock's reputation as the UK's leading brick manufacturer was once again proven at this year's annual Brick Awards. The evening was held on the 2nd November at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square and hosted by the Brick Development Association who recognise excellence in design and reward buildings constructed out of brick.

The combination of environmental sustainability, wide range, design advice and great value was well demonstrated with over 50% of the shortlisted projects using Ibstock bricks. On the night we took home 9 out of the 15 awards including all three of the Best Housing Development categories, Volume House Builder and Best Refurbishment categories. For the third year running, we also took home the most sought after award of the evening, the Supreme Winner, for the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.

If you have a project you think may be a winner in 2012, contact us on 01530261999 To see a photo gallery of the winning projects, including a list of the products and architects responsible for the design please go to www.ibstock.com/brickawards

Introducing the Harcourt Chimney

Following an increase in demand for chimneys sized 650mmX650mm, the Harcourt Faststack chimney is the seventh addition to Ibstock Kevington's already popular range of standard chimney designs.

Faststack is a new concept in chimney design, suitable for both fully working and decorative functions. Faststack Chimneys have been developed to make the installation of chimneys much easier, making it a cost effective alternative to traditionally built chimneys, saving both time and money on site.

The Harcourt Chimney is available in Mid Ridge, Gable End and Mono pitch as well as bespoke variants. For more information please call 0844 7360350

The best brick building in the UK.....

The Lyric Theatre in Belfast was awarded the prestigious title of Supreme Winner at this year's Brick Awards. The development included the demolition of an existing theatre and the construction of a new auditorium, rehearsal and studio theatre. The development was designed by architects O'Donnell and Tuomey who were the winners of a design competition held by the Lyric in 2003.

Overlooking the river Lagan, the building forms part of Belfast's characteristic brick streetscape. In keeping with the original surroundings, each of the three functional elements is housed within its own, distinctive brick box.

The architects chose the Heritage Red Blend (A4986A) to match the surrounding "Belfast" brick as well as for its enduring and ageing qualities. The solid sculpted brick volumes linked by transparent, permeable public spaces visually connect the street through the Lyric Woods to the flowing line of the city's river.

The Lyric Theatre is truly a community building, built to fit in with the local vernacular whilst enhancing the river landscape, making it a worthy "Supreme" winner.

The perfect brown brick for refurbishment and renovation projects

The Border Brown Sandfaced (A0290A) has now been re-launched in both 65mm and 73mm format from the Ibstock Aldridge factory in the West Midlands. Whilst maintaining its key markets in the North West and North East, the more centralised manufacturing location will mean that the brick will readily compete in the Midlands' refurbishment and renovation market. An ideal stocking brick for merchants , there is the opportunity for mixed loads with other niche refurbishment products available from Aldridge. With many other brown sand-faced products no longer available in the market, the Border Brown Sandfaced is expected to prove extremely popular in the target markets.

To order a sample please go online or call our Sample Hotline on 0844 800 4578.